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NAWG Commends Congress for Passing PTC Implementation Extension

This afternoon, the Senate unanimously approved the short-term highway bill extension, which includes a three-year extension for implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC). The bill passed the House of Representatives earlier this week.

Following Senate passage, NAWG President, Brett Blankenship, wheat grower from Washtucna, Wash. made the following statement:

“We are very pleased by the passage of the PTC extension ahead of the December 31 implementation deadline. A shutdown of the nation’s freight rail network would have disastrous consequences for the nation’s economy and U.S. wheat growers who rely on the rail system to move their grain. When implemented, PTC will be a critical safety component of our national rail network. It remains essential for Congress to hold railroads accountable to efficiently complete the PTC requirements set forth in Rail Safety Improvement Act, and to also realize the current status of implementation. We now look forward to the President’s signature.”